GAMEWORNAUCTIONS.NET is pleased to present The Chris Chelios Collection. This exciting collection of game worn jerseys, game used sticks and memorabilia comes directly from the personal collection of 3-time Norris Trophy winner and Hall of Famer Chris Chelios. Chelios personally collected these items over the course of his Hall of Fame career. Each has been in Mr. Chelios’ personal collection since leaving the ice and all are fresh to the hobby. A signed letter from Chris Chelios will accompany your purchase.

This road blue mesh gamer by Cosby was worn by Chris “Knuckles” Nilan during the 1988-89 NHL preseason. This jersey was first worn by Larry Melnyk during the 1986-87 NHL season. The Montreal Canadiens selected Nilan in the 19th round of the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. After playing his college hockey at Northeastern University, this Boston, MA native made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in 1979-80. “Knuckles” is one of the NHL’s legendary enforcers. He spent a total of 688 games patrolling the wing and serving as protection to his teammates. Over his 13-year NHL career, Nilan amassed 3043 PIMS, becoming just one of 9 men to reach the 3000 PIMS mark in NHL history. Nilan’s playoff total is also remarkable with 531 PIMS in 111 games played! Nilan twice led the league in PIMS, attaining a career single season best total of 358 PIMS in 1984-85. Chris spent parts of 10 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens where he celebrated the 1986 Stanley Cup, the only one of his career. He also spent parts of 3 seasons with the New York Rangers and parts of 2 more with the hometown Boston Bruins.

The sleeves on this gamer have been custom shortened for Nilan by the team. Sewn into the collar are the manufacturers, wash and size tags. The game wear on this size 54 sweater is solid and consists of stick and slash marks, board burns, board paint transfer, un-repaired burn holes, inner pilling and a couple of handfuls of team-sewn repairs. Removed from the upper verso are the player letters that made up the name Melnyk. Sewn above is the Nilan nameplate. The 1986-87 season was the last of the experimental period that saw the Rangers wear the diagonal New York down the front of their road sweaters before switching back to the traditional Rangers in 1987-88. Nilan and Chelios, a pair of US born tough guys, spent 5 seasons together as teammates with the Montreal Canadiens where they celebrated their first Stanley Cup together in 1986. This example was worn by one of the toughest customers the game has ever seen and comes directly from The Chris Chelios Collection.